Because Su Qing’er relied on Cuier deeply, though they were mistress and servant in name, they were as close as sisters in daily life.
Seeing her young lady so unhappy, Cuier felt troubled as well. After stepping out, she decided to make Su Qing’er’s favorite chestnut cakes to cheer her up.
As she walked down the corridor, she overheard the younger maids whispering. Only after asking did she learn the news—the emperor had bestowed a marriage, betrothing their young lady to General Chen Jinghan, who had just returned to the capital after winning great military merit.
The news had already spread through the streets. Only then did Cuier understand why her mistress was upset.
Since childhood, Su Qing’er had dreamed of marrying a refined scholar. Now that things had turned out differently, how could her heart not ache?
The wedding was set for the tenth day of the fifth month—less than two months away. Who knew what the young lady might still do?
Cuier’s brows knitted tightly with worry.
She knew her mistress might appear delicate, but inside she was resolute. If she truly set her mind against the marriage, who knew how things would end? Yet if she forced herself to marry, how would she endure the days to come?
It was a dilemma either way.
Inside, Su Qing’er sat alone in tears. Though strong-willed, she could not escape the bonds of family. Her parents had raised her with such care—how could she think only of herself?
If she truly refused and angered the emperor, the entire Su family—hundreds of lives—would suffer.
Sigh… This must be fate.
She gazed at her reflection in the mirror—youthful and beautiful—yet she had no idea what her future husband looked like.
But brooding changed nothing. Days passed without pause.
In the blink of an eye, it was the ninth day of the fifth month. After today, Su Qing’er would leave home as a bride.
The Chen family had already delivered lavish betrothal gifts, filling the house inside and out. Added to the emperor’s many rewards, the Su household was enjoying unprecedented prestige.
Throughout the capital, people praised the Su family’s good fortune. Before even entering the Chen household, the bride was already so highly regarded—surely she would live well in the future.
Only Su Qing’er remained unable to truly ease her heart.
Cuier served by her side daily, offering gentle words of comfort. But a sickness of the heart required its own remedy. No matter what others said, it could not truly reach her.
Each day, Su Qing’er sat alone, watching the clouds drift across the sky. Her heart rose and fell like those clouds. At last, she resolved to accept heaven’s arrangement and went to her father’s study.
Su Zhe was reading. Seeing his daughter, he immediately set the book aside and ordered tea.
“Father, no need to trouble yourself. I only came to say one thing—I accept this marriage.”
She spoke calmly, as though discussing someone else’s affairs.
Su Zhe’s heart ached. “Daughter, you are still in the bloom of youth. Why do you seem so disheartened? If you are not marrying willingly, how can your mother and I ever be at peace?”
Su Qing’er forced a small smile. “Father, I have studied the classics since childhood and understand the principles of propriety. Since I have agreed to marry into the Chen family, I will fulfill my duties and never overstep.”
The more obedient she appeared, the deeper Su Zhe’s pain grew. His precious daughter, still so young, was to be sent into another household—how could he not worry?
“Father, I shall take my leave.”
She performed a full formal bow. In the past, she had never stood on such ceremony. Now she seemed distant and restrained. Su Zhe felt as though knives were cutting his heart, yet he could do nothing.
The imperial decree had been issued. The entire Su family was like fish on a chopping board. Even if the Chen household were a pit of fire, they could not retreat.
He wept silently, recalling Qing’er as an infant in swaddling clothes. Back then, he had vowed to protect her with his life. Now, times had changed, and he could not keep that promise.
Leaving the study, Su Qing’er looked faintly at the bustling household. Servants were busy everywhere, faces glowing with joy. Whenever they saw her, they stopped to congratulate her.
Little did they know—the bride herself was the least happy of all.
As a woman, she had always known marriage would come someday. Yet she thought she was still young—that it was far away. Who would have imagined that a single imperial decree would tear apart all her hopes?
She had never even seen her future husband, much less dreamed of marital harmony.
Women… is our fate always so tragic?
If she had been born a man, would she be spared such suffering?
She did not know. Born female, she had never touched that realm of freedom. She hardly dared even imagine it.
Accept your fate. Accept your fate. Accept your fate.
It was as though the entire world shouted at her—accept it! Who told you to be born a woman? Who told you you could not build achievements, but must depend upon a husband?
She walked in a daze. Red silk decorations hung everywhere, brilliant and festive. To her, they felt suffocating.
Well-wishers kept approaching her. Suddenly her vision blurred. She could see figures before her—but not their faces.
Faceless people surged toward her, pressing and chasing her.
Thud.
Su Qing’er’s vision went black, and she collapsed.
“Miss! Miss! Someone, come quickly!” Cuier, who had followed behind seeing her distracted state, rushed forward to catch her.
They carried her back to her room. A physician was summoned at once.
Madam Su sat by her daughter’s bedside, wiping away tears. She knew this was heartbreak, yet she could not tell others. The frustration suffocated her.
After examining the patient, the physician sat at the table and prepared to write a prescription.
Su Zhe quickly invited him into the study and asked what had happened.
The physician replied that Miss Su had fainted due to excessive worry. It was nothing serious—two doses of medicine would suffice.
Su Zhe had already prepared a pouch of silver for him and softly added that his young daughter had simply been overwhelmed by wedding preparations and had accidentally stumbled. He hoped the physician would help conceal the matter.
The physician chuckled knowingly. Wedding preparations were indeed exhausting; such worry was hardly unusual.
He was an experienced man who had long served noble households. Naturally, he understood the value of discretion. Having received the silver and seeing it was no grave matter, he would keep it buried.
After sending him off, Su Zhe ordered strict secrecy. The news of Miss Su’s fainting must not spread.
Madam Su arranged for the medicine to be brewed. Cuier helped Su Qing’er drink it, and soon she was laid down to rest again.
“My lord, if Qing’er does not wake tomorrow and the Chen family comes to fetch the bride, what shall we do?” Madam Su dismissed the servants before voicing her fear.
Su Zhe squeezed her hand reassuringly. “Do not worry. Qing’er was born under a fortunate star. She will be fine.”
“And if—”
“What is there to fear? If she remains unconscious tomorrow, I have my own way of handling it. You should not exhaust yourself. Go and rest. Tomorrow is Qing’er’s big day—you will have much to do.”
“My lord, you too should not stay up too late.”
Madam Su left as he advised. Her husband was her pillar of support. Since he spoke with such certainty, she chose to believe him.